League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
17 South High Street, Suite 650
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614/469-1505 phone
614/469-7918 fax
January 2016 Special Mailing
PASS TO VOTER SERVICE CHAIR
IMMEDIATELY
lwvoinfo@lwvohio.org
http://www.lwvohio.org
TO:
FROM:
RE:
Local League Presidents and Voter Service Chairs
PLEASE PASS TO VOTER SERVICE CHAIR IMMEDIATELY
League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund (LWVOEF)
2016 Primary Election Voters’ Guide Information Packet
This packet contains candidate
questions
and
assignments
for local
Leagues in preparation for
the March 15, 2016,
Primary Election.
Some Leagues may not be
planning to have Primary
Election voter service
activities. Even so, it is
important
that
you
confer with all Leagues
with whom you share
candidates to see what
they are planning and to
check assigned districts.
Please confer with other
Leagues as soon as
possible.
Please note two changes:
1. All judicial races will
be
covered
by
Judicial Votes Count
(www.judicialvotesco
unt.org), and Leagues
can use that text in
local Guides.
2. This year, LWVO is
providing Vote411 for
all state and federal
races. Local Leagues
can buy in to use
Vote411 for local
races.
Page 1 of 21
Contents of This Packet
What’s New?.................................................................2
Judicial Votes Count coverage of ALL Judge Races…2
Vote411 state coverage & how-to ……………………2
Shared Candidate Instructions………………………...3
Candidate Questions
- Statewide Candidates……………………………..3
- Regional/County Offices……………………….....4
Additional Information about Primary Elections……...6
Duties, Terms, and Salaries
- Statewide Offices………………………………….6
- Regional Offices…………………………………..7
- County Offices…………………………………….7
Assignments for Securing Information on Candidates
- U.S. President …………………………………… 9
- U.S. Senate ……………………………………… 9
- U.S. House of Representatives …………………...9
- Ohio House of Representatives…………………..10
- Ohio Senate…………………………………….... 11
- State Board of Education…………………………11
- Local Leagues Sharing a County ………………...11
Candidate Questionnaires & Word Limits .…………. 12
LWV: Political but Nonpartisan……………………... 13
LWVUS: Voters’ Guides Best Practices …… ………. 14
LWVUS: Defining “Advocacy” vs. “Lobbying”…….. 18
Supporting or Opposing Local Issues........................... 18
Appendix A: Sample Letter to Candidates……………19
Appendix B: Sample Candidate Questionnaire..……...20
Appendix C: 2018 Ohio Senate Districts…………….. 21
Appendix D: 2018 State Board of Education Districts..21
LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
What’s New?

We can get you this information in other formats:
If you need information in another electronic format, via fax, or hard copy by regular mail, contact
the state League office at 614/469-1505, or by e-mail at lwvoinfo@lwvohio.org

District assignments:
Please let the state League office know immediately if your League is improperly assigned a district
(see contact information above), and please let other Leagues in that district know.

All judicial races will be covered by Judicial Votes Count (JVC), and Leagues can obtain
candidate info for local Voters’ Guides from JVC. See “Judicial Votes Count” section below for
details.

Vote411 coverage:
The state League is paying for Vote411 for all state and federal races (candidates and ballot issues)
for all elections that take place during 2016, including the primary and the general. See “Vote411”
section below for more information about what is covered by the state League’s subscription and how
local Leagues can obtain pricing to use Vote411 to cover local races.

Look for updated information about statewide candidates for the General Election:
We will allow candidates to review and update their Primary Election answers for the General
Election if the same questions are used, although we may also ask a different, more topical question.
The filing deadline for the 2016 General Election is August 10, 2016 (90 days out from Election
Day), so the revised questionnaire will go to winners of the Primary Election plus any third-party
candidates as soon as the names have been validated (Aug. 29: deadline for write-in candidates to
file). You should expect this updated candidate information by mid-September.
Judicial Votes Count coverage of ALL Judge Races
The state League, LWVOEF, has partnered with the Ohio Supreme Court, Ohio State Bar Association,
Bliss Institute for Applied Politics at the University of Akron, Ohio Newspaper Association, and Ohio
Association of Broadcasters to create “Judicial Votes Count” – a nonpartisan statewide resource for
information about Ohio’s courts and candidates running for judge. The project launched in Fall 2015 with
coverage of municipal court races and will continue in 2016 with coverage of all judicial races. The
website is hosted by the University of Akron and can be found at www.judicialvotescount.org.

Judicial Votes Count will be responsible for contacting ALL judicial candidates across Ohio –
including candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court, Ohio Courts of Appeals, County Common Pleas
Courts, and other local courts. Local Leagues should not contact judicial candidates to provide
information for the Voters’ Guide to avoid duplication and confusion. However, local Leagues
are strongly encouraged to include judicial candidates in other voter service activities such as
candidate forums.

Local Leagues will have access to all judicial candidate information on JudicialVotesCount.org
for use in local Voters’ Guides. Contact the state League office to obtain a copy of judicial
candidate information for your area from Judicial Votes Count; please indicate which county or
counties your League covers.
Vote411 state coverage & how-to
The state League, LWVOEF, paid $2500 for Vote411 coverage of all state and federal races on the ballot
in calendar year 2016.
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LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information

Covered election dates: All elections taking place in 2016, including the March 15 primary
election, November 8 general election, and the special election to fill the vacant seat of former
U.S. Rep. Boehner.

Covered state and federal races: LWVOEF will pay for Vote411 to cover all federal races -U.S. President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House -- as well as all state races -- Ohio House of
Representatives, Ohio Senate, Ohio Supreme Court, State Board of Education, and any statewide
ballot issues.

Local Leagues may choose to pay for Vote411 coverage for local races (county, city,
township, etc.). For local Leagues already using Vote411, the only change should be a reduction
in costs due to the State League paying for coverage of state and federal races. For Leagues who
have not used Vote411 previously, we hope it will be a more affordable option for local Leagues
to consider with LWVOEF paying for part of it.
If your League would like to sign up for Vote411 or get a price quote, please contact Megan Brown,
LWVUS’s Vote411 Coordinator at mbrown@lwv.org or (202) 429-1965 ext. 357.
Additional information about using Vote411 – including LWVUS’s Vote411 How-To Guide, a list of
scheduled training sessions on Vote411, and more – can be found on the new “2016 Voter Service” page
under the Member Area of the State League website here: http://www.lwvohio.org/site.cfm/MemberArea/2016-Voter-Service.cfm
Shared Candidate Instructions
1.
We have done our best to match Leagues with the appropriate U.S. Congressional, Ohio General
Assembly and State School Board districts – but anticipate some assignments may need to be
revised. Please look at all lists starting on page 10 in order to determine if the districts for
your League are correct – and which are your League's responsibility. The underlined
League shall report for other Leagues in the same district. If your League has been assigned to
collect information, but you’re not planning to produce a voters’ guide, please let the other
Leagues know immediately so other arrangements can be made. If the assigned district(s) is
not correct, also please immediately let the other Leagues know. In both cases, we ask that
you notify the state League office at lwvoinfo@lwvohio.org, or at 614-469-1505.
2.
Contact all Leagues in your district. Find out:
A.
Publishing deadline for their voters’ guide.
B.
If / how costs of postage, copying, paper, etc. can be shared.
C.
To whom the information should be mailed/emailed.
3.
Get a complete and accurate list of all candidates for your district from your Board of Elections, or
from the Board of Elections in the most populous county if there is more than one county in the
district (as may be the case for regional offices such as U.S. House, state Senate, etc.).
4.
A sample letter to send individual candidates is included (Appendix A). Listing all the Leagues
using the candidate's information will broaden your base of appeal.
5.
A sample questionnaire is also included (See Appendix B).
Candidate Questions: Statewide Candidates
LWVOEF has responsibility for collecting responses in races for statewide offices. Statewide offices for
this primary election are U.S. Senator and Ohio Supreme Court Justices. The statewide candidates this
year will be asked the following questions for the Primary Election Voters’ Guide.
Page 3 of 21
LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
U.S. SENATOR
Questions:
1) Explain why you do or do not think the US Congress should address the influence of money in
politics, especially in light of the US Supreme Court decision in Citizens United.
2) What should the federal government’s top three priorities be in setting a sound energy policy?
3) What is your position on U.S. immigration policies, and how will you work to promote your
position?
4) Explain why you do or do not believe that the federal government should ensure that every
American has health coverage. How will you work to promote your position?
5) Explain why you do or do not support the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to enforce
strong clean air and clean water standards.
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
The Supreme Court is the court of last resort in Ohio. The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction in
cases involving questions arising under the Ohio or United States Constitutions, cases originating in the
courts of appeals, and cases in which there have been conflicting opinions on the same question from two
or more courts of appeals. The Supreme Court hears all cases in which the death penalty has been
imposed.
Finally, the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction extends to review the actions of certain administrative
agencies, including the Public Utilities Commission and the Board of Tax Appeals.
A person must be an attorney with at least six years’ experience in the practice of law to be elected or
appointed to the Supreme Court.
Questions will be sent to Ohio Supreme Court candidates by Judicial Votes Count.
Candidate Questions: Regional/County Offices - General Election
LOCAL LEAGUES WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Please refer to the enclosed sheets on pages 9-11 to determine which League is responsible for contacting
the candidates.
OHIO COURT OF APPEALS
The 12 district courts of appeals in Ohio are intermediate level appellate courts whose primary function is
to hear appeals from the common pleas, municipal and county courts. Each case is heard and decided by a
three-judge panel. The number of judges in each district depends on a variety of factors, including the
court's caseload and the size of the district. The number of judges in each district varies from four to
twelve.
In addition to their appellate jurisdiction, the courts of appeals have original jurisdiction, as does the
Supreme Court, to hear applications for writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, procedendo, prohibition and
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LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
quo warranto. The Tenth District Court of Appeals in Franklin County also hears appeals from the Ohio
Court of Claims.
Questions will be sent to Court of Appeals candidates by Judicial Votes Count.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Suggested Questions
1) Explain why you do or do not think the US Congress should address the influence of money in
politics, especially in light of the US Supreme Court decision in Citizens United.
2) What should the federal government’s top three priorities be in setting a sound energy policy?
3) What is your position on U.S. immigration policies, and how will you work to promote your
position?
4) Explain why you do or do not believe that the federal government should ensure that every
American has health coverage. How will you work to promote your position?
5) Explain why you do or do not support the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to enforce
strong clean air and clean water standards.
OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and OHIO SENATE
Suggested Questions
1) Explain what you see as the state’s role in addressing women’s reproductive health care.
2) A bill was passed in 2015 that will strengthen regulation of charter schools across the state. The
new law requires in-depth financial and academic reporting from schools and management
organizations, stops charter schools from switching sponsors to avoid getting shut down, and
prohibits poorly rated sponsors from opening new schools, among other provisions. Do you believe
this legislation is sufficient? Why or why not?
3) Explain your position on regulations for ensuring the environmental health of Lake Erie and
Ohio’s waterways.
4) Explain which policies or administrative practices, if any, are needed regarding voter registration
and voting for all Ohioans.
5) Explain your position on regulation of gun sales and ownership.
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Suggested Questions
1) A bill was passed in 2015 that will strengthen regulation of charter schools across the state. The
new law requires in-depth financial and academic reporting from schools and management
organizations, stops charter schools from switching sponsors to avoid getting shut down, and
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LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
prohibits poorly rated sponsors from opening new schools, among other provisions. What will you do
as a school board member to ensure that all charter schools comply with the provisions of the new
law?
2) What can the State Board of Education do to ensure that all school districts comply with Operating
Standards for Ohio's Schools?
3) What can the State Board of Education do to ensure that all community schools and nonpublic
schools that accept state financial support (including vouchers) are accountable to the public for the
tax support?
4) How can the State Board of Education ensure a quality education for all Ohio students regardless
of whether they attend traditional public schools, charter/community schools, have vouchers for
attending private schools, or are home-schooled?
5) What would be your priorities if elected to the State Board of Education?
Additional Information about Primary Elections

Independent candidates will not appear on a primary ballot.

Candidates for judge are identified according to party in the Primary Election only. For the purpose
of clarity for those voting in a primary, voters’ guides need to designate which names for judge will
appear on the Democratic and Republican ballots. For the General Election, all judicial candidates
run on a nonpartisan ballot. Be sure that no party designation appears for the General Election.

A key area of confusion about primaries is political party affiliation: In Ohio, a person becomes
affiliated with a political party or changes political parties only at a Primary Election. Party
affiliation is indicated only by which ballot a voter requests during a Primary Election (by party or by
“Issues Only.”) There is no declaration of electoral party membership, per se.
If there are local issues on the ballot, voters may vote on them regardless of whether they vote on any
candidates.
Duties, Terms and 2016 Salaries: Statewide Offices
Office
U.S. Senator
No. to be elected
Salary
Term
1
$174,000
6 yrs
Responsibilities: Represents the people of Ohio and the U.S. in dealing with matters of national and
international importance. The general welfare should be a prime concern.
Justice, Ohio Supreme Court
2
$148,753
6 yrs
Responsibilities: Hears all cases involving questions arising under the Ohio Constitution or statutes;
hears appeals from Courts of Appeals decisions. The Supreme Court's decisions are final except in cases
involving the U.S Constitution, statutes, or treaties.
Page 6 of 21
LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
Duties, Terms and 2016 Salaries: Regional Offices
Office
U.S. Representative
No. to be elected
Salary
Term
16 (1 from each dist)
$174,000
2 yrs
Responsibilities: To represent the people of Ohio, their district, and the United States in dealing with
matters of national and international importance. The general welfare should be a prime concern.
Ohio Senator
17 (1 from each
odd-numbered district)
$67,545*
4 yrs
Responsibilities: To represent the people of the district and the state of Ohio in dealing with matters not
allocated to the federal government. *Base salary.
Ohio Representative
99 (1 from each dist)
$60,584*
2 yrs
Responsibilities: To represent the people of the district and the State of Ohio in dealing with matters not
allocated to the federal government. *Base salary.
Judge, Ohio Court of Appeals
1 from each of 12 districts
(contact Board of Elections)
$132,000
6 yrs
Responsibilities: The Court of Appeals is essentially a Court of Review. It hears appeals from the
Common Pleas, County, and Municipal Courts.
Decisions are final except in cases involving Constitutional questions, cases of felony, cases in which it
has original jurisdiction, and cases of public or great general interest.
State Board of Education
1 from each of 11 districts
No salary
(plus 8 appointed by the governor)
4 yrs
Responsibilities: The 19-member board is responsible for overseeing the Ohio Department of Education
and creates policy and makes recommendations for K-12 education in Ohio.
Duties, Terms and 2016 Salaries: County Offices
Local Leagues should check salary & term information with their county Board of Election.
Office
No. to be elected
Salary
Term
County Commissioner
Check with your
Board of Elections
Based on
population
4 yrs
Responsibilities: To exercise financial control of County expenditures; to authorize public works; to
purchase land and buildings; to let contracts; to plan and administer welfare. The Board of County
Commissioners also appoints other officials to operate various departments.
County Coroner
Check with your
Board of Elections
Based on
population
4 yrs
Responsibilities: To determine the cause of death of persons dying in a violent or suspicious manner and
to issue death certificates.
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LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
County Engineer
Check with your
Board of Elections
Based on
population
4 yrs
Responsibilities: To oversee the construction, maintenance, and repair of all bridges in the county, and of
county roads and other public improvements except buildings in the county.
County Prosecutor
Check with your
Board of Elections
Based on
population
4 yrs
Responsibilities: To investigate and prosecute crimes committed within the county, to defend the county
in court, and to give legal advice to county agencies and townships.
County Recorder
Check with your
Board of Elections
Based on
population
4 yrs
Responsibilities: To record deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, and other written instruments.
County Sheriff
Check with your
Board of Elections
Based on
population
4 yrs
Responsibilities: To provide services to the courts, to oversee the county jail, and to act as chief law
enforcement officer for the county.
County Treasurer
Check with your
Board of Elections
Based on
population
4 yrs
Responsibilities: To collect taxes in the county and its subdivisions, disburse expenditures, and invest the
county's funds.
County Clerk of Courts
Check with your
Board of Elections
Based on
population
4 yrs
Responsibilities: To enter judgments and collect court costs for appellate and common pleas courts, and
also to issue and transfer automobile and water craft certificates of title.
Judge, Common Pleas Court*
Check with your
Board of Elections
$121,350
6 yrs
Responsibilities: To preside at trials of both civil and criminal cases; to supervise the jury commission,
grand jury, and other departments of the court.
Judge, Probate Court
Check with your
Board of Elections
$121,350
6 yrs
Responsibilities: To rule on cases involving disposition of wills, the administration of estates and
guardianships, adoptions, questions of mental or physical disability. They are also responsible for issuing
marriage licenses.
Judge, Court of Domestic
Check with your
$121,350
6 yrs
Relations
Board of Elections
Responsibilities: To handle cases of divorce, dissolution of marriage, annulment, separation, and child
custody matters.
Judge, Juvenile Court
Page 8 of 21
Check with your
Board of Elections
$121,350
6 yrs
LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
Responsibilities: To rule in cases involving persons under 18 years of age. The Juvenile Court has
authority in cases of delinquency, unruliness, juvenile traffic offenses, abuse, neglect, and dependency.
The Juvenile Court may be part of the Court of Domestic Relations or the Probate Court.
County Court Judge
(or Municipal Court Judge
with countywide jurisdiction)
Check with your
Board of Elections
Based on
population
6 yrs
Check with your Board of Elections for local jurisdictions and responsibilities.

Note: Not all common pleas courts are subdivided into divisions (General, Probate, Domestic Relations, and
Juvenile). These descriptions are provided for those Leagues in counties that do make the distinctions. Check
with your Board of Elections.
Assignments for Securing Information on Candidates for
U.S. President
The national League, LWVEF, is responsible for contacting candidates for President of the United States.
The state League, LWVOEF, is responsible for checking to see which Presidential Primary candidates
have qualified to appear on the ballot in this state.
Assignments for Securing Information on Candidates for the
U.S. Senate
LWVOEF is responsible for contacting candidates for U.S. Senate.
Assignments for Securing Information on Candidates for the
U.S. House of Representatives
District
Underlined League is Responsible
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Cincinnati Area
Chillicothe/Ross Co, Cincinnati Area, Clermont Co, Portsmouth/Scioto Co
Metro Columbus
Lima Area, Marion, Oberlin Area, Tiffin Area
Bowling Green, Perrysburg Area, Toledo/Lucas Co
Greater Youngstown, Marietta/Washington Co, Portsmouth/Scioto Co
Canton Area, Oberlin Area
Darke Co, Oxford
Greater Cleveland Area, Toledo/Lucas Co
Greater Dayton Area
Akron Area, Greater Cleveland Area
Delaware Co, Metro Columbus
Page 9 of 21
LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
13
14
15
16
Akron Area, Greater Youngstown, Kent, N. Portage Co, Trumbull Co
Akron Area, Ashtabula Co, Geauga Co, Hudson, Lake Co, Kent, N. Portage Co,
Tallmadge, Trumbull Co
Athens Co, Chillicothe/Ross Co, Metro Columbus
Canton Area, Greater Cleveland Area, Kent, Wayne Co
Assignments for Securing Information on Candidates for the
Ohio House of Representatives
District
1
2
3
4
5
6-16
17-18
19
20-26
27-33
34-35
36
37
38
39-43
44-47
48-49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58-59
60-61
62
63
64
Page 10 of 21
Underlined League is Responsible
District
Wayne Co
No League
Bowling Green, Perrysburg
Area
Lima Area
No League
Greater Cleveland Area
Metro Columbus
Metro Columbus
Metro Columbus
Cincinnati Area
Akron Area
Tallmadge
Hudson
No League
Greater Dayton
Toledo/Lucas Co
Canton Area
No League
No League
No League
Oxford
No League
No League
Oberlin Area
No League
Greater Youngstown
Lake Co
No League
Trumbull Co
Trumbull Co, Ashtabula Co
65-66
67-68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91-92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
Underlined League is Responsible
Clermont Co
Delaware Co
No League
No League
No League
No League
No League
No League
Kent
Geauga Co, N. Portage Co
No League
Athens Co
No League
Darke Co
No League
No League
No League
Darke Co
No League
Marion
Marion
Tiffin Area
No League
Portsmouth/Scioto Co
Chillicothe/Ross Co
No League
Athens Co,
Marietta/Washington Co
Marietta/Washington Co
No League
No League
No League
Ashtabula Co, Geauga Co
LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
Assignments for Securing Information on Candidates for the Ohio Senate
District
Underlined League is Responsible
12468101214-
No League
Bowling Green, Perrysburg Area
Oxford
Greater Dayton Area
Cincinnati Area
No League
Darke County, Lima Area
Clermont Co,
Portsmouth/Scioto Co
Metro Columbus
Kent, N. Portage Co, Geauga Co,
Lake Co
1618-
District
20222426283032-
Underlined League is Responsible
Athens Co
No League
Cleveland Area, Cuyahoga Area,
Marion, Tiffin Area
Tallmadge, Akron Area
Athens Co, Marietta/Washington
Co
Ashtabula Co, Trumbull Co,
Geauga Co
Assignments for Securing Information on Candidates for
State Board of Education (General Election only)
District
Underlined League is Responsible
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
At-Large
Darke Co., Lima Area, Tiffin, Marion
Bowling Green, Perrysburg Area, Toledo/Lucas Cty
Greater Dayton, Oxford, Darke
Cincinnati Area
Ashtabula Cty, Lake Cty, Wayne Cty, Cuyahoga Area
Metro Columbus
Akron Area, Geauga Cty, Hudson, Kent, N. Portage Cty, Tallmadge, Trumbull Cty
Canton Area, Greater Youngstown
Delaware Cty, Athens Cty, Marietta/Washington Cty
Chillicothe/Ross Cty, Portsmouth/Scioto Cty, Clermont Cty
Cleveland Area, Cuyahoga Area, Shaker Hts
State League
Assignments - County Offices: Local Leagues Sharing a County
The underlined League is requested to initiate the cooperation between Leagues within a county to collect
information on the county offices, which will include common pleas judges in some counties.
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LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
County
Cooperating Leagues
Butler
Cincinnati Area, Oxford
Portage
Northern Portage County, Kent
Stark
Canton Area
Summit
Akron Area, Hudson, Tallmadge
Wood
Bowling Green, Perrysburg Area
It is up to the discretion of the cooperating Leagues how they wish to divide the county offices.
You may wish to divide the offices according to where candidates live, or it may be best for the League
with the largest group of active members to do all the county offices.
Candidate Questionnaires, Word Limits & Judicial Candidates’ Questions
Questionnaires to Candidates
Secure the complete and certified list of candidates, including the independent candidates in the General
Election, from your county Board of Elections. Be aware that the time between securing the official list
and the deadline for printing is very short. It is ideal to have the candidates’ letters ready, except for
typing in the names and addresses, so that little time is lost sending the letters. In the event that a
candidate's certification is in doubt, it is usually best to send the letter, explaining that if the candidate is
certified the information will appear in the voters’ guide.
A sample letter (see Appendix A) and a sample questionnaire (see Appendix B) are included here for your
guidance. As a safeguard to your League, restrictions on editing and changing copy should be clearly
stated both on the questionnaire and in the cover letter.
It is highly advisable that local Leagues add a disclaimer on their candidate and survey form that
inclusion in a League’s voters’ guide is not an endorsement, and the candidate may not imply at any time
that inclusion in your League’s voters’ guide is an endorsement.
It is important to ensure that each candidate has received a questionnaire. This can be achieved by
delivering in person and getting a written receipt, sending by certified mail with "return receipt” requested
(highly recommended when possible) or by email with “return receipt.” In each case, your League should
keep a written record of the delivery and any communication with the candidate and her/his campaign. A
follow-up phone call is imperative if the completed questionnaire has not been returned. If the candidate
has not returned a completed questionnaire, it is advisable to send a second questionnaire by registered
mail with return receipt requested.
Questionnaire Word Limit
Formulate candidates’ questions with utmost care. Set a word limit for each section of the questionnaire
and each question, or for the total questionnaire. Stick to the limit set. Be sure you explain, in the letter
or questionnaire or both, just what you will consider a word. For instance: The following are counted as
one word: 1989, L.L.D., the, and, a, for. Do not use abbreviations except for degrees. "OU" would be
two words for "Ohio University."
If a candidate does not comply with the word limit set by your League, you can return the questionnaire to
the candidate with a request that the questionnaire be edited to conform to the word limit, confer with the
candidate by phone and then send the revised copy for signature, or enforce the word limit as is.
Page 12 of 21
LWVO Education Fund 2014 General Election Information
It is incumbent that the letter to the candidate and the questionnaire’s instruction make it clear that
answers will be cut off at the word limit, in case publication deadlines are too tight to allow for changes in
the questionnaires.
The only way to ensure complete fairness and objectivity is to equally enforce strict rules.
When framing questions on issues:
 Choose issues of major interest in your community, not limited to League program.
 If an issue covers a League position, don't let it show.
 Do not allow a question to seem to favor any candidate.
 Word questions simply.
 Restrict issues to those solvable at that office's level of government.
 Explain technical language briefly and simply, e.g., "home rule."
 Consider the word limit when framing the question.
 Consider asking two questions: a general one to each candidate to spot his/her interests, and a specific
one on topical issue.
 Questions for judges should not violate standard judicial ethical canons.
Note About Judicial Candidates Questions
While “Judicial Votes Count” will take the lead on sending Voters’ Guide questionnaires to judicial
candidates this year, we wanted to provide the following guidance on the ethical rules pertaining to asking
questions of judicial candidates as Leagues may find it helpful in planning other voter service activities
such as candidate forums.
Many good questions can be framed for judicial candidates, but there are certain precautions that should
be taken. According to Rule 4.1(A)(7) of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct, judges shall not, in
connection with cases, controversies, or issues that are likely to come before the court, make pledges,
promises, or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties
of judicial office.
They can be asked their views on court congestion, reorganization, or any matter affecting the administration of justice. Of course, when preparing for the publication of a voters’ guide, all questions submitted
to candidates must be approved by the local League's Board of Directors.
For a list of possible questions for judicial candidates, please see LWVOEF’s pamphlet "Where to Find
Judicial Candidate Information & Questions for Candidates" at
http://www.lwvohio.org/assets/attachments/file/LWVOEF_OhJudInfo%20handout.pdf
LWV: Political but Nonpartisan

Available at http://www.lwv.org/content/political-yet-nonpartisan
November 04, 2011 | by S. Peterson
Soon after the League’s founding, the decision was made to take positions on issues but to neither support
nor oppose any political party or candidate (appointed or elected) for public office. Today, this policy
continues to ensure that the League’s voice is heard above the tumult of party politics.
To ensure the credibility of the League as a nonpartisan organization, each League’s board of directors is
responsible for drafting and carrying out its own nonpartisan policy and for seeing that both its members
and the public understand the League’s nonpartisan role.
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Leagues should also have a conflict of interest policy related to board members’ paid employment,
service on other boards (including League boards at other levels), personal lobbying, etc.
Information about developing and implementing a nonpartisan policy, the nonpartisan policy of the
national League board and sample policies for local and state Leagues can be found in the Members
section of the League Web site (http://www.lwv.org/member-resources ).
LWVUS: Voters’ Guides Best Practices

February 21, 2008 | by LWV at http://www.lwv.org/content/voters%E2%80%99-guides-bestpractices
Voters’ Guides Best Practices: Table of Contents
A. Introduction
B. General
C. Funding Your Voters’ Guide
D. Partnering With Media Outlets
A. Introduction
Over the years, Leagues have built up high recognition value and reservoirs of community trust by
providing citizens accurate, nonpartisan services and information on elections and on governmental
issues. Public respect for the League’s commitment to factual, unbiased information is a source of pride
for League members and one that can be drawn on repeatedly in seeking community support for League
activities and recruiting new members.
Producing candidates’ questionnaires or Voters’ Guides requires especially careful attention and sound
judgment by the entire board, in order to protect the League’s nonpartisan reputation and the public’s
trust.
In providing voter information, Leagues often work with other organizations, including newspapers and
other media that may endorse candidates or have political action committees (PACs). In deciding how to
work with such organizations, Leagues need to consider carefully how their participation might affect
their nonpartisan status or the public’s perception of the League’s nonpartisanship. They must make sure
that the ground rules are set to ensure that the activity is conducted in a strictly nonpartisan manner. It is
important to make clear that the League cannot waive its nonpartisan policy or any procedures that
ensure fair treatment of candidates. The same is true when a League cooperates with a newspaper or
other media outlet to produce or distribute election information.
The following are recommended practices:
B. General
1. Fair, balanced and nonpartisan questions for candidates should be the responsibility of each
League. A League may wish to solicit input from a partner (organization or media outlet), but the
final choice and wording of questions should be the League’s.
2. Prominent display of the League logo, contact information for the League and Web address
should be standard practice and explained early on as part of the partnership. This benefits both
the League and the partnership effort, as the public puts the highest level of trust in the League,
and will see our logo as a trusted “seal of approval.”
3. League positions on Ballot Measures or Constitutional Amendments, etc, should not be included
in Voters’ Guides. Leagues can distribute additional supplemental facts sheets (or publications,
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etc) that cover this information, but the fact sheets should: neither be part of the Voters’ Guide
nor distributed such that it appears as though it is a supplement of the Voters’ Guide; and the fact
sheets should have a different look and feel (e.g. design) so that the League’s voter service
activities and its advocacy activities are not easily confused. Leagues may choose to do pros and
cons on Ballot Measures or Constitutional Amendments. However, League positions on either
should not be included in Voters Guides.
4. League positions on issues (e.g. environmental or taxation, etc) also should not be included in
Voters’ Guides. Again, Leagues can distribute additional supplemental facts sheets (or
publications, etc) that cover this information but the fact sheets should: neither be part of the
Voters’ Guide nor distributed such that it appears as though it is a supplement of the Voters’
Guide; and the fact sheets should have a different look and feel (e.g. design) so that the League’s
voter service activities and its advocacy activities are not easily confused.
5. Include a League membership “ad” in your Voters’ Guide, as long as general League funds (e.g.
non tax-deductible funds) cover the specific cost of including the “ad.” For example, if a Voters’
Guide is 5 pages and the membership “ad” is half a page; general League funds should cover 10%
of the total cost of printing and distributing the Voters’ Guide. Some sample language for your ad
includes: “The League of Women Voters is where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads
to civic improvement. We are trusted, nonpartisan and never endorse candidates. Join the League
and be directly involved in shaping the important issues to keep our community strong, safe, fair
and vibrant.”
6. If partnering with another entity, the League should take the lead in communicating with the
candidates. This includes:
a. sending correspondence to the candidates in a traceable form (USPS delivered, signed
mail receipt or email returned mail receipt)
b. clearly articulating the “ground rules” for inclusion in the League’s Voters’ Guide – e.g.:
i.
space limitations are included in the letter to the candidates so candidates know
any responses over xxx word/character limit will be truncated at that number;
ii.
there will be no editing for spelling mistakes, grammar, etc so candidates can not
say their answers were "changed" by the League;
iii.
what will be printed if the candidate does not respond – “No response from
candidate”;
iv.
which specific races will be included in the Voters’ Guide; and,
v.
what criteria were used for determining which candidates would be included in
the Voters’ Guide. (The League Board should establish criteria well in advance.)
7. Voters’ Guides should not only be distributed in hard copy, but they should also be made
available online, through individual League Web sites and/or partner Web sites. LWVUS will
also include every League’s Voters’ Guide on VOTE411.org. For inclusion on VOTE411.org
submit your Voters’ Guide to VoterInfo@lwv.org. Providing information online ensures that the
information can reach a broader audience than print distribution alone and may be a great way to
get other organizations or media to link to your Web site.
8. All partners should be encouraged to publicize the Voters’ Guide before it is available – e.g.
"Look for your LWV and xxx partner(s) Voters’ Guide on xx day” (shortly before Election Day).
9. Any disclaimers should be prominently displayed. Examples of various disclaimers are provided
below.
10. Partner with a media outlet to increase the distribution of your Voters’ Guide. (See section: Best
Practices: Partnering with Media Outlets for full discussion)
C. Funding Your Voters’ Guide
1. Education Fund monies may be used to underwrite the costs of most, if not all, of your Voters’
Guide. You are encouraged to use some general League funds to cover the specific cost of
including a League membership “ad” in your Voters’ Guide. For example if your Voters’ Guide
is 10 pages long and you include a half-page membership ad, then 5% of the total cost of
producing your Voters’ Guide (printing and distribution) should be paid for with general League
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2.
3.
4.
5.
funds. Be sure legal constraints on giving and receiving money for election-related activities are
fully understood especially tax-deductible contributions.
The approach used by the LWVUS/LWVEF Board on fundraising offers some guidance to your
own approach and includes the following policy: “The LWVUS/LWVEF shall not enter into any
financial relationship (investment, fundraising, cause-related marketing, gift solicitation or gift
acceptance) which is incompatible with the principles, priorities and mission of the
LWVUS/LWVEF. Management shall exercise appropriate discretion when identifying and
soliciting prospective donors and partners.” This practice helps avoid conflicts of interest and
retains the public trust in League activities and publications.
Seek neutral community underwriting or in-kind donations from businesses or community
organizations – e.g. printing and design/layout. Be sure to recognize these sponsors in your
Voters’ Guide.
Earn income by selling Voters’ Guides and other voter service materials in bulk quantity to
business and industry, organizations, labor unions, political parties and/or individuals. If you sell
to a political party make sure that the terms offered are the same for all parties and candidates.
Leagues are seeking ways to fund their Voters’ Guides and some consider advertising and/or
partnerships with other organizations. The best practice is to avoid candidate advertisement in
your Voters’ Guides altogether. Your Board should not accept any advertising that includes an
electioneering message or any express advocacy. Some partners, such as media partners, may
insist on paying for the space through advertising. In such cases, the state or local Board should
use its own judgment and discretion in deciding whether to accept advertisements, including
candidate advertisements.
If your Board is considering allowing advertising in your Voters’ Guide, consider the following.
a. Types of advertisements: What is your League willing to accept—e.g. products or
services only advertisements (shampoo, cookies, automobiles, realtors, banks, etc.) and
not willing to accept –e.g. candidate advertisements (Vote for Wonder Woman on
November lst, etc.) or political/issue advertisements (political parties or advocacy groups,
etc.)
b. Placement of advertisements: Although LWVUS/EF advises against the inclusion of
candidate ads in your Voters’ Guides, if they are acceptable to your Board, minimize the
chance that the advertising could be perceived as favoring one candidate or party over
another. Consider:
i.
All advertisements must be confined to a specific section of the Voters’ Guide
such as the inside panel of the last page only or a single page elsewhere in the
Voters’ Guide;
ii.
Candidate advertisements may only appear on pages associated with that
candidate;
iii.
Support from any candidate or political party/organization may only be
acknowledged through a listing of supporters on the inside of the back page; or;
iv.
Other criteria your Board develops.
c. Advertisement specifications: Are different sized advertisements allowed at different
prices, are color and/or black and white ads allowed at different prices, etc.? Might some
of these differences result in an appearance of a League preference for one candidate or
party more than another?
d. Promotion of availability of advertising space: Will the League (and/or partner)
actively solicit support from corporations? Will the League alert all candidates of this
opportunity in their communications about participating in the Voters’ Guide? Will the
League decide on a case-by-case approach as potential advertisers approach the League?
(This case-by-case approach should only apply to product and service advertisements.)
Will another approach be approved by the state/local Board?
e. Acceptance of Advertisements: Will advertisements be accepted on a first come first
serve basis, or if candidate/political advertising is allowed will they be accepted only on
an equal basis (e.g. Leagues cannot run ads for candidates for only one party), etc.
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f.
General Principles:
i.
Leagues that accept advertising should insert the word “advertising” above or
below any advertisement.
ii.
Fees associated with advertising are not tax-deductible.
iii.
Leagues should either display information in the Voters’ Guide regarding the
process the league used to promote and accept advertising, and/or direct readers
to place on your Web site where they may learn more about your process.
iv.
Leagues should also prominently display a disclaimer such as “Reference herein
to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name,
trademark, service mark, manufacturer, candidate, issue, or otherwise, does not
constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation or favoring by the LWV of
XX.”
6. If a League has raised more than enough funds to cover the costs of their Voters’ Guide, the
remaining tax-deductible funds may be used for other Education Fund activities.
D. Partnering With Media Outlets
1. Appeal to their self-interest to publish voter information as a service to their readers/listeners.
Media outlets want the public to use their resources, to see them as “serving the community” and
the League adds tangible, trusted recognition to their own name and this effort through affiliating
and collaborating together on Voters’ Guides (or other voter service activities).
2. Make sure you have a written contract:
a. Signed by your League President and the media partner(s).
b. Clearly articulates the “ground rules” (noted above); that the League will provide readyto-print materials and credibility; the rules regarding publishing LWV material in its
entirety (e.g. the partner may make no changes to the text); specifies dates of publication;
distribution of the Voters’ Guide both in print and online; includes any costs that LWV
might incur; states that League nonpartisanship and mission statements, and includes any
disclaimers specifies how contributions/sponsors will be acknowledged, including inkind support (if necessary); states how and what type of advertisements may be included;
specifies that no endorsements may be included; specifies that the League name, logo and
contact information will be included; and reaches an agreement on space limitations and
candidate races to be covered.
c. Clearly delineates the League’s role/responsibilities vs. the partner’s role/responsibilities.
d. Including any publicity the partner(s) will undertake (e.g. "Look for your LWV and xxx
paper, xxx TV Voter's Guide on xx day (shortly before Election Day).
3. Although the contract will state which races will be covered in the joint Voters’ Guide, the
League might decide to cover more races and include them on the League Web site.
4. Leagues should be aware that many media outlets endorse candidates and accept candidate and
political advertising, and although the League can and should require that no candidate
endorsements appear within the Voters’ Guides, the League has no control over what is included
in the rest of the media partners’ online or print materials.
5. If partnering with a newspaper:
a. Ideally, the newspaper would cover the costs of printing the Voters’ Guide as a special
insert in their newspaper.
b. Leagues are encouraged to try to get extra copies of the insert printed for distribution
through libraries and schools, community organizations and reaching out to diverse
audiences.
c. Some Leagues have contributed to the cost of printing the Voters’ Guide in a newspaper
but Leagues are not encouraged to offer to do so at the outset of the discussions.
However, Leagues should be prepared to respond to this request if it arises. As part of
your negotiations, it is helpful to quantify your League’s contribution to the total “cost of
undertaking a Voters’ Guide.” According to the reputable nonprofit association,
Independent Sector, the estimated value of volunteer time in 2006 was $18.77 per hour. If
there is a fee in the end, this fee should be included in the contract as well.
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LWVUS: Defining “Advocacy” vs. “Lobbying”

Available at: http://www.lwv.org/content/defining-advocacy-vs-lobbying
It is common for Leagues to support their advocacy activities with only non-charitable contributions.
However, this is unnecessary. Leagues may, and are encouraged, to use charitable contributions to
support their non-lobbying advocacy activities. Advocacy encompasses pleading for or against causes, as
well as supporting or recommending positions.
LWVUS policy recommends against using charitable funds for any lobbying even though it is legal
within strictly defined limits. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between the broad
concept of advocacy and lobbying, which is a specific advocacy technique. While lobbying can be part of
an advocacy strategy, advocacy does not necessarily include lobbying.
Lobbying is defined as an attempt to influence specific legislation, including both legislation that has
already been introduced in a legislative body and specific legislative proposals that the League may
oppose or support. There are two types of lobbying: direct lobbying and grassroots lobbying.
To constitute direct lobbying, a communication must either:
1) be directed to a legislator, their staff or other governmental employee who may participate in the
formulation of legislation,
a. AND refer to
b. AND express a view on specific legislation;
OR
2) Be directed to the general public,
a. AND refer to
b. AND express a view on a specific referenda or other ballot measure.
To constitute grassroots lobbying a communication must be:
1) Directed to the general public,
a. AND refer to
b. AND express a view on specific legislation,
c. AND include a statement that directs readers to contact their legislators or include the contact
information for a legislator or employee of a legislative body.
Most other activities promoting League positions that do not fall within the strict definitions of lobbying
noted above are general advocacy and may be funded by charitable contributions. One important caveat
is Leagues are advised to keep clear lines between voters’ service activities and advocacy activities. For
example, Leagues that have taken a position on a ballot measure should not include that position in their
Voters’ Guide.
Disclosure of League Contribution to Support or Oppose a Ballot Issue
Disclaimer
Any sign, newspaper advertisement, literature, and so forth that a local League puts out in support of
or in opposition to a question or issue that is on the ballot should include the name of the local League
and contact information for that League.
If a local League spends operating (501 c 4) money to support or oppose a local ballot question or
issue in accordance with a League position, the local League must file a contribution disclosure form.
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Please contact your local Board of Elections for detailed information about this requirement and the
timing for completing the necessary form.
Appendix A:
Sample Letter to Candidate
(on local League stationery)
Date ______
Dear
:
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization with a deep concern
for informed voter participation in government. In line with this policy, we will
make available to the voters of ________________ a voter guide on candidates
and issues for the _________ election, 20__.
Each candidate is requested to complete the enclosed questionnaire. (Please
keep a copy for your files.) Please return it to the League of Women Voters of
_________ at the address given above. In order that all candidates may be
treated alike, please use the questionnaire form, taking careful note of the word
limitations, and return it no later than _________. You may download an
electronic version of the questionnaire at [Web site] or request an electronic
version by e-mailing [e-mail address]. E-mailing your responses to this address,
in addition to mailing your signed copy, will save the League a great deal of
time and would be much appreciated.
Inasmuch as the League will not alter, edit, correct, or evaluate any candidate's
reply, each candidate is solely responsible for the text they submit, including the
truth of his/her statements. The League cannot use any campaign material.
Your answers are accepted only with the understanding that the published
material will not be used in any way that may be deemed to be an endorsement
by the League of Women Voters of your candidacy or views.
The League of Women Voters was formed in 1920. It is a national, nonpartisan
organization dedicated to encouraging active and informed participation of
citizens in government. The League does not endorse, oppose, or evaluate any
candidate or party. By submitting your candidate questionnaire, you and your
campaign organization, agree not to imply at anytime, either verbally, in
advertising or in writing, the League’s endorsement of your candidacy.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Voter Service Chair
(phone #)
Enclosures
(self-addressed envelope)
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Appendix B:
Sample Candidate Questionnaire
League of Women Voters of _____________
2014 Voters’ Guide Questionnaire
NOTE: This response CANNOT be published unless YOU have signed it in the space
provided at the end of the questionnaire. By submitting your candidate questionnaire, you
and your campaign organization agree not to imply at anytime, either verbally, in
advertising or in writing, the League’s endorsement of your candidacy.
OFFICE:
PARTY:
(fill in only if applicable to your election)
AGE:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER(S): (will not be printed in voter guide)
Biographical Information
Answers in the following are limited to 50 words FOR THE THREE SECTIONS COMBINED.
OCCUPATION:
EDUCATION:
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:
Total word limitation of 50 words for the above three sections. DO NOT USE ABBREVIATIONS except for
degrees: B.A., Ph.D., M.D., etc. Otherwise, OU would be two words for Ohio University; "the," "a," "is" are
counted as one word each.
Question for Voters’ Guide
The answer to the question may not exceed 150 words. THE WORD LIMIT MUST BE OBSERVED. Words over
the limit will be cut off in published information.
[Insert question]
[Note: Leagues may want to provide an e-mail address where responses can be sent to avoid retyping and checking,
but obtaining a signed hard copy is highly recommended.] To verify your attempts to communicate and verify the
receipt of all responses, it is recommended that Local Leagues keep copies of all correspondence from
candidates, including emails.
Released for distribution for 2014 Election.
Candidate's Signature __________________________________
Date __________________
THIS QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RETURNED
NO LATER THAN:
TO:
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Appendix C: 2018 Ohio Senate Districts
2018 Primary/General Elections
District 1 – No League
District 3 – Metro Columbus
District 5 – Darke County, Greater Dayton Area
District 7 – Cincinnati Area
District 9 – Cincinnati Area
District 11 – Toledo/Lucas Co
District 13 – Oberlin Area
District 15 – Metro Columbus
District 17 – Chillicothe/Ross Co
District 19 – Delaware Co, Metro Columbus
District 21 – Greater Cleveland Area
District 23 – Greater Cleveland Area
District 25 – Greater Cleveland Area
District 27 – Hudson, Wayne Cty
District 29 – Canton Area
District 31 – No League
District 33 – Greater Youngstown
APPENDIX D: 2018 State Board of Education Districts
District 2: Bowling Green, Oberlin Area, Perrysburg Area, Toledo/Lucas Co,
District 3: Greater Dayton Area, Oxford
District 4: Cincinnati Area
District 7: Akron Area, Ashtabula Co, Geauga Co, Lake Co, Kent, N. Portage Co, Tallmadge,
Trumbull Co
District 8: Athens Co, Canton Area, Greater Youngstown, Marietta/Washington Co
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